GLITTERING white and gold lights illuminated Wood Street tonight at the Old Town Christmas Lights Switch-On 2016.

The eagerly anticipated event in Old Town, which this year celebrated its 50th anniversary, drew hundreds of onlookers set on getting into the merry mind-set.

Old Town artist Caroline Day, Miss Wiltshire Galaxy Georgia Delaney, and The Voice contestant Vince Freeman were joined by local children as they flicked the magical switch to light up the night sky, and mark the start of the festive season. Cheers erupted from the crowd as the dazzling lights twinkled their way around Old Town.

Despite cold conditions, the crowd’s enthusiasm wasn’t dampened as they spent the afternoon dancing and singing.

Presenters Evie Em-Jay and Nick ‘Groucho Smith provided some light-hearted entertainment on the Wood Street stage from 3.45pm.

Acts strutting their stuff on the main stage and around Wood Street included Commonweal Collective Choir, MF Dance and Swindon Samba

A stellar line-up of musical, dance and comedic acts kept crowds entertained including Tanwood School for Performing Arts, Jimmy Mack More, the Ukey D’Ukes and Ovation Dance Company.

Joan Gibbons got into the festive spirit to support her partner Kev Hallett , who performed with Swindon Samba.

Joan from Blunsdon said: “It’s absolutely brilliant and the performances, especially Swindon Samba have been top-notch and the food is fantastic. You get that festive feeling walking around, I think they’ve done a great job this year.”

The event was a feast for all the senses with jingle bells ringing, Christmas trees, balloons and stalls serving up delicious treats.

While Wood Street was the hub for the festivities the Christmas cheer spread to High Street, Devizes Road, Newport Road and Victoria Road with a selection of festive food and drink on offer.

Baker Street had mince pies and hot mulled wine for visitors to try, Helen Browning’s Chop House offered sizzling BBQ ribs and bratwurst hot dogs with spicy red onion chutney while Rays Ice-cream served up mouth-watering Christmas pudding and mince pie ice flavour ice-creams.

Dan and Joanne Oliver from Redhouse brought 18-month-old Oliver to his first Christmas light switch-on.

“It’s great to be here, it feels very festive and we all loved the dance acts that were on earlier, they were amazing. It definitely feels like Christmas now,” said Dan.

Joanne added: “It’s got a really fun atmosphere and you can see that people are having a really good time.”

Susie Wagner from Old Town, cheered on her son TJ O’Brien who also plays with Swindon Samba.

“It’s amazing, the food, the entertainment, the ambience. It really puts you in the mood for Christmas and I am very proud of TJ. The lights always look so beautiful too and it really puts you in the mood for Christmas.”

The event was organised by the Old Town Business Association spearheaded by Wood Street Well-being owner and committee member  Jan Wojtowicz and GlamoRose owner Jessie Dennis.

The spectacular finale followed a weekend of full-on festivities with families flocking to the Pig On The Hill to visit Santa’s Grotto.

Highworth also saw the return of some festive sparkle with their Christmas light switch-on on Friday night.